The Schmidt Show PDX
The Schmidt Show PDX
Podcast Description
Join former Multnomah DA Mike Schmidt as he highlights uplifting community news, events, and voices you can believe in.
Tune in to stay connected to the heart of Portland. From neighborhood spotlights to community heroes, don’t miss out on the stories that matter—subscribe now and be part of the positive change!
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The show focuses on uplifting community news, local heroes, and pressing issues affecting Portland, featuring episodes that delve into topics such as the role of independent media, the importance of local journalism in democracy, and grassroots efforts in homelessness support.
The Schmidt Show PDX covers positive local news and happenings in and around Portland, Oregon. The podcast is hosted by former Multnomah DA, Mike Schmidt.
Season 2, Episode 5 – Happy New Year? Portland Vibe Check with Author Donovan Scribes
Episode snapshot:
Portland doesn’t just debate policy—we debate reality. Journalist Donovan Scribes joins me to break down his “Top 10 Takeaways” from a chaotic 2025, and we talk about how vibes (and media narratives) can drive big decisions on Measure 110, police budgets, and the so-called “doom loop”—plus what feels genuinely hopeful heading into 2026.
What we cover (tight version)
Vibes vs. evidence: how hype forms, spreads, and becomes policy
Portland’s journalism landscape: where Donovan goes to get grounded and verify what’s real
2025 in review: the moments and patterns Donovan thinks mattered most
Memory, protest, and power: what Portland learned (and didn’t) since 2020
Hopeful 2026 governance bets: “boring competence” wins that could change daily life—sidewalks, storefronts, AI accountability, and harm reduction tools
Portland 2026: initiatives we highlight
Sidewalk Improvement & Paving Program (Loretta Smith / Mitch Green / Olivia Clark)
Small business storefront support (Dan Ryan)
AI + housing / algorithmic systems (Angelita Morillo)
ERPO focus + youth suicide prevention framing (Steve Novick), including discussion of emerging “smart gun” concepts
Referenced work from Donovan
Donovan’s Portland Mercury piece: “THE BLACK BYLINE: Top 10 Takeaways from 2025, A Wild Year in Portland”
The Portland Mercury x Donovan Scribes project: BlackOut — A Five-Year Retrospective on Portland’s Racial Justice Movement
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